[New Taipei City News] On April 13, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih led a delegation of city officials and members of the New Taipei City Council to visit Tokyo Dome today, aiming to draw on international experience as a reference for the planning and construction of New Taipei’s very own dome stadium. During the visit Mayor Hou recalled how the Chinese Taipei national team made history by winning the 2024 WBSC Premier12 championship at Tokyo Dome just a few months ago. “I was deeply moved watching that moment on the big screen in Taiwan. Once New Taipei Dome is completed, I believe our athletes will have the chance to make history right here in New Taipei,” he said.
 
Accompanied by New Taipei City Council Speaker Chiang Ken-huang, Non-Partisan Solidarity Union caucus whip Tsai Chin-hsien, and several council members, Mayor Hou toured the interior of Tokyo Dome and the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, guided by Yasuhiro Hisakazu, Chairman of Mitsui Fudosan Taiwan. Following the visit, the delegation met with Yoshikazu Kitahara, Chairman and CEO of Tokyo Dome Corporation, to discuss venue design, commercial development models, and the integration of multifunctional uses.
 
Mayor Hou noted that Tokyo Dome, with a 37-year history, stands as one of Japan’s most iconic stadiums. Centered around a baseball field, the Tokyo Dome is surrounded by an amusement park, shopping mall, museum, and hotel, creating a multifunctional complex that caters to sports fans, concertgoers, and tourists alike. This year-round, all-in-one operation model offers valuable insights. By learning from Tokyo Dome’s experience and continuously refining plans, New Taipei aims to develop a stadium that truly meets diverse public needs.
 
Chairman Kitahara emphasized the close and friendly relationship between Japan and Taiwan and expressed willingness to support New Taipei throughout the stadium’s planning and construction process. He added that Tokyo Dome originally hosted only baseball games, but growing demand for concerts and other events quickly demonstrated that one dome was not enough. He believes the New Taipei Dome will similarly stimulate public interest and provide diverse recreational opportunities.
 
New Taipei City Department of Sports Commissioner Hung Yu-ling noted that the New Taipei Dome is more than just a stadium—it represents a forward-looking park concept centered around sports, leisure, and entertainment. In addition to hosting domestic and international sporting events, the venue will be open to the public during off-season periods for tours and recreation. With integrated facilities such as shopping malls, restaurants, and amusement zones, the dome will blend seamlessly into everyday life and is poised to become a must-visit destination for both local residents and international tourists visiting Taiwan.